Threaded tubular connection having interlocking tubular end structures

ABSTRACT

A tubular connection having a first joint having outer threads and an inner bore, and a second joint having outer threads and an inner bore. The tubular connection further includes an outer nut having inner threads that cooperate with the outer threads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connection further includes an inner sleeve positioned within the first inner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first inner bore contains a first groove having first seal disposed therein and the second inner bore contains a second groove having second seal disposed therein, wherein the first and second seal prevents a pressure from exiting the first and second inner bore.

This application is a continuation-in-part application of my co-pendingapplication bearing Ser. No. 11/127,919, filed 12 May 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a tubular connection. More specifically, butnot by way of limitation, this invention relates to an apparatus andmethod for providing a connection between a first tubular and a secondtubular.

A connection between a first tubular and a second tubular affordsseveral advantages. For instance, a tubular connection provides a meansfor pressure sealing the internal portion of the tubulars. Also, thetubular connection provides a means for allowing the transfer of apulling force. A tubular connection must also provide for thetransferring of torque. In the oil and gas industry, the pressure, pulland torque issues are critical in designing a tubing string forproduction, drilling and completion operations.

Prior art connections have been designed that have specialty purposes.For example, FMC Corporation has developed a tubular connection that isfor flow lines and the connection is commercially available from FMCCorporation under the name Chikson. Also, various manufactures havedeveloped specialty threads that possess the ability to withstand highpressure, or transfer high torque.

However, as those in the oil and gas industry recognize, pressure,torque, tensile strength, and compressive forces are all very importantas the industry continues to expand its search for hydrocarbons intoextreme and remote regions including deep water frontiers. Therefore,this invention solves many of the problems associated with the prior artconnections. An object of the present invention is to provide a tubularconnection that allows for the transfer of torque without harm to thethreads. Another object of the invention is to allow for high tensilestrength during operations that entail lifting. Yet another object ofthe invention is the internal sealing ability. Still another object isthe safety and ease of use of the tubular connection. These and manyother objects will be met by the invention herein disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A tubular connection is disclosed. The tubular connection comprises afirst joint having outer threads, and a plurality of wedges at a bottomend of the first joint. The tubular connection further includes a secondjoint having outer threads, and a reciprocal plurality of wedges at atop 9 end of the second joint. The plurality of wedges and thereciprocal plurality of wedges cooperate to engage. The tubularconnection may also include a pin connector disposed through the shelland engaging the first joint which prevents the shell from unscrewing.

The tubular connection further includes a shell having an inner threadthat cooperates with the outer threads of the first joint and the secondjoint. In this embodiment, the first joint has a first inner bore andthe second joint has a second inner bore, and wherein the tubularconnection further comprises an inner sleeve positioned within the firstinner bore and the second inner bore. In one embodiment, the first innerbore contains a first groove having first seal means disposed thereinand the second inner bore contains a second groove having second sealmeans disposed therein, wherein the first seal means and the second sealmeans prevents a pressure from exiting the first inner bore and thesecond inner bore. Also, the inner sleeve may contain an external threadthat engages with an internal thread within the first inner bore. In onepreferred embodiment, the outer threads of the first joint and thesecond joint are an acme thread. In one preferred embodiment, the firstjoint and the second joint form part of work string on a drilling rig.

In a second preferred embodiment, which is the most preferred embodimentof this application, a tubular connection is disclosed that includes afirst joint having outer threads, and wedges at a bottom end of thefirst joint. The tubular connection further includes a second jointhaving reciprocal wedges at a top end of the second joint, wherein thewedges cooperate to engage. The tubular connection further comprises asub having outer threads, with the sub being disposed about the secondjoint, and a shell having inner threads that cooperate with the outerthreads of the first joint and the second joint. The tubular connectionfurther comprises a shell having inner threads that cooperate with theouter threads of the first and second joints.

In this second embodiment, the first joint has a first inner bore andthe second joint has a second inner bore, and wherein the tubularconnection further comprises an inner sleeve positioned within the firstinner bore and the second inner bore. The sub may comprise a first halfsegment and a second half segment. Also, the second joint may contain anannular ring, and wherein the first half segment and the second halfsegment of the sub engage with the annular ring in order to prevent thefirst and second half segment from slipping down the pipe. The firstinner bore may contain a first groove having first seal means disposedtherein and the second inner bore may contains a second groove havingsecond seal means disposed therein, and wherein the first seal means andthe second seal means prevents a pressure from exiting the first innerbore and the second inner bore. The inner sleeve may contain an externalthread that engages with an internal thread within the first inner bore.A pin connector may be disposed through the shell and engaging the firstjoint to prevent the shell from unscrewing.

Also disclosed is a method of connecting a first tubular with a secondtubular. The method comprises providing the first tubular having outerthreads with wedges at a bottom end of the first tubular; the secondtubular having reciprocal wedges at a top end of the second tubular, andwherein the wedges and the reciprocal wedges cooperate to engage; ashell disposed about the first tubular, the shell having inner threadsthat cooperate with the outer threads of the first and second tubular;an inner sleeve positioned within a first inner bore of the firsttubular.

The method further includes setting the second tubular with a slip meanswithin a rotary table on a drill floor and lowering the first tubular.The method includes inserting the inner sleeve into a second inner boreof the second tubular. Next, the first tubular is rotated so that thewedges of the first tubular are aligned with the reciprocal wedges ofthe second tubular.

The method further includes lowering the first tubular into engagementwith the second tubular, rotating the shell about the outer threads ofthe first tubular, and then rotating the shell about the outer threadsof the second tubular so that the first tubular and the second tubularare connected.

The method may further comprise exerting a pulling force on the firsttubular and the second tubular, and transferring the pulling force tothe outer threads of the first tubular and the outer threads of thesecond tubular. In one preferred embodiment, the method includesexerting a rotating force on the first tubular and the second tubular,and transferring the rotational force to the wedges on the first tubularand the reciprocal wedges on the second tubular.

An advantage of the present invention includes obtaining a seal withouthaving to torque the connections, wherein the prior art torquing ofconnections can lead to over torquing which can seriously damage thetubulars. Another advantage is that any torquing required by theoperator to the tubular string will be transferred in the wedges.Another advantage is that no tongs are needed to make-up the connection.

Yet another advantage is that no fluid or pressure is held by thethreads; rather, the sealing face occurs between the sealing sleeve andthe seal members. Still yet another advantage is that the invention canbe used with a multitude of tubulars that require connection. Yetanother advantage is that the components of the invention can bereplaced if damaged out in the field i.e. the operator can remove theworn parts and put a new part in its place. This includes, but notlimited to, the sealing sleeve and the outer nut.

A feature of the present invention includes an inner seal sleeve that iseasily replaceable. Another feature is that the seal members will bepositioned within the bore of the tubulars and out of the flow area.Still yet another feature includes use of an outer nut shell that isthreadedly connected to the first and second connection. Yet anotherfeature is that the threads on the outer sleeve and tubular connectionsare rated very high for tensile strength, and therefore, an operator canexert significant pulling forces on the attached tubulars. Anotherfeature is that the two connectors and the outer shell threads will notunscrew by any torquing force. A feature of the present invention isthat the connection herein described can be used in many applications,including but not limited to, oil and gas drilling, production,completions, sub-sea applications as well as pipelines and flow lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a disassembled cross-sectional view of a first preferredembodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 2 is an assembled cross-sectional view of the tubular connectorillustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a disassembled partial cross-sectional perspective view of asecond preferred embodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 4 is an assembled partial cross-sectional perspective view of thetubular connector illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a disassembled cross-sectional perspective view of a thirdpreferred embodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 6 is an assembled partial cross-sectional perspective view of thetubular connector illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of a tubular connector of the present inventionbeing made-up on a drilling rig.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the wedges of the second tubular seenin FIG. 1.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the wedges of the first tubular seen inFIG. 1.

FIG. 9A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a fourth preferredembodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment of thetubular connector seen in FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a fifth preferredembodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the fifth preferred embodiment of thetubular connector seen in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a sixth preferredembodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the sixth preferred embodiment of thetubular connector seen in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a seventh preferredembodiment of the tubular connector.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment ofthe tubular connector seen in FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a disassembled cross-sectional view of a firstpreferred embodiment of the tubular connector 2 will now be described.The tubular connector 2 includes a first tubular 4 that contains a firstouter surface 6 and an inner bore surface 8. The outer surface 6 extendsto the radial shoulder 10 which in turn leads to the outer threadportion 12. In the most preferred embodiment, the outer thread surface12 is a standard acme type of thread having two (2) threads per inchthat is commercially available from Frederick's Machine Shop Inc. underthe name Acme Threads. As seen in FIG. 1, the outer thread portionextends to the end 14, and wherein end 14 has extending therefrom aplurality of protruding wedges 16. It should be noted that only a singlewedge could have been provided. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner boresurface 8 extends to an expanded area 18 as well as containing therecess 20, wherein the recess 20 will contain seal means 142, 144, (alsoreferred to as a seal assembly) as will be more fully described. Theseal means 142, 144 is commercially available from Houston Packing Inc.under the name Poly Pack Packing. The sealing sleeve 22 is generallyseen at 22. The sealing sleeve contains an outer surface 24 that extendsto the external threads 26, wherein the external threads hold the sleeve22 in place and keeps the sealing sleeve 22 from falling out when heldabove the lower connection just before mating. It should be noted thatit is possible that the sealing sleeve not contain thread means andwould therein be held in place by the seal means, or simply held by thefirst and second tubulars. Another purpose of the sealing sleeve 22 isto line-up the first and second tubulars during make-up.

FIG. 1 further depicts the second tubular 28, and wherein the secondtubular 28 contains an outer surface 30 that extends to the outer threadsurface 32, which in turn extends to the protruding wedges 34. As notedearlier, only a single wedge could be provided on each tubular end. Inthe most preferred embodiment, the outer thread surface 32 is a standardacme type of thread having two (2) threads per inch that is commerciallyavailable as previously noted. The protruding wedges 16 and theprotruding wedges 34 will cooperate and engage so that a rotationalmovement of the connected tubulars will transfer the generated torque tothe wedge bodies, as will be more fully explained later in theapplication. The second tubular 28 contains an inner bore surface 36,and wherein the inner bore surface 36 will extend to the internal threadportion 38 which in turn leads to the expanded area 40. The expandedarea 40 will contain seal means 146, 148. FIG. 1 also shows the outershell 42, sometimes referred to as the outer nut 42. The outer shell 42contains an outer surface 44 which extends radially inward to the innerthread portion 46. The inner thread portion 46 is a standard acme typeof thread having two (2) threads per inch that will cooperate and engagewith the external threads 32 and 12. The outer shell 42 has the bottomend 48 that will abut the radial shoulder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an assembled cross-sectional view of thetubular connector 2 illustrated in FIG. 1 will now be described. Itshould be noted that like numbers appearing in the various figures referto like components. Hence, the protruding wedges 16 and the protrudingwedges 34 have been engaged. The exact dimensions of the wedges mayvary. For instance, in one preferred embodiment, one wedge is largerthan the rest so the two parts can mate in only one way to line up theouter threads so that the shell can makeup over the two parts. Inanother embodiment, all the wedges are the same size so the two partsneed no alignment, because the two thread halfs can rotate on the lowerpart—not the two connections. The wedges will be explained in greaterdetail later in the application.

FIG. 2 shows the sealing sleeve 22 is in place, and wherein the sealingsleeve 22 has been threadedly connected to the internal threads 38 viaexternal threads 26. FIG. 2 further depicts the seal assembly means 146,148 that is contained within the expanded area 40 as well as the sealassembly means 142, 144 that is contained within the expanded area 20.In this way, pressure within the inner bore of the connections will besealed and precluded from escaping from the internal bore into theatmosphere.

FIG. 2 depicts the inner thread portion 46 engaging the outer threads 32and 12. By making up the first tubular 4 and the second tubular 28 thisway, the outer threads become one constant threaded pattern therebyallowing for engagement with the inner thread portion 46 of the outershell 42. Put another way, the outer threads become a continuous spiralthread pattern and the continuous spiral thread pattern formed whenouter threads 12 and the outer threads 32 are coupled with the outershell 42. The bottom end 48 will abut the radial shoulder 10.

FIG. 3 illustrates a disassembled partial cross-sectional perspectiveview of a second preferred embodiment of the tubular connector. Theembodiment of FIG. 3 is the most preferred embodiment of thisapplication. A first tubular 56 is provided, wherein the first tubular56 has an outer surface 58. The outer surface 58 contains an annularring 60. The first tubular 56 has at one end the protruding wedges 62.The first tubular 56 further contains an inner bore surface 64, andwherein the inner bore surface 64 extends to the expanded recess seengenerally at 66 for placement of seal means (such as o-rings) 142, 144.Another shoulder 67 is provided on first tubular 56, which will providefor load distribution when the tubular connection is undergoingtensional or compressional forces.

FIG. 3 depicts the sub 68 that will be disposed about the first tubular56. More specifically, the sub 68 contains a first half section 70 and asecond half section 72, and wherein both half sections 70, 72 are mirrorimages in the most preferred embodiment. The outer portion of the sub 68contains the outer threads 74, and wherein the outer threads are thesame type of threads previously described, namely a standard acme typeof thread having two (2) threads per inch. The outer threads 74 extendto the radial shoulder 75. The sub 68 contains an inner portion andwherein the inner portion contains a radial groove 76, and wherein theradial groove 76 will cooperate with the annular ring 60 so that the sub68 will be captured on the first tubular 56.

The second tubular 78 is depicted in FIG. 3, and wherein the secondtubular 78 has an outer surface 80 that extends to a second outersurface, namely the outer threads 82. The outer threads 82 are the sametype of threads previously described, namely a standard acme type ofthread having two (2) threads per inch. The bottom end of second tubular78 includes the protruding wedges 84, and wherein the protruding wedges84 and the protruding wedges 62 will cooperate to engage. The secondtubular 78 contains an inner portion 86 which in turn extends to theexpanded recess 88 for placement of a seal assembly 146, 148 (which maybe o-rings in one preferred embodiment), as will be described in greaterdetail later in the application.

The seal sleeve 90 contains an outer cylindrical surface that is adaptedfor insertion into the inner bores of the second tubular 78 and thefirst tubular 56. The seal sleeve 90 contains outer threads 92 that willengage with the internal threads 94 contained within the second tubular78. FIG. 3 also depicts the outer shell 96, wherein the outer shell 96has an outer surface that extends to the radial end 98. Extendingradially inward is the inner threads 100 that will cooperate and engagewith the outer threads 82 and 74, and wherein the inner threads are thesame type of threads previously described, namely a standard acme havingtwo (2) threads per inch.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the assembled partial cross-sectionalperspective view of the tubular connector illustrated in FIG. 3 will nowbe described. More specifically, the first tubular 56 and the secondtubular 78 have been engaged via the protruding wedges 62, 84 (wedge 84not seen in this view). The sub 68 is in place about the first tubular56 and wherein the annular ring 60 of the first tubular 56 is engagingthe radial groove 76 of sub 68. The outer shell 96 has been screwed intoplace as shown in FIG. 4; hence, the inner threads 100 have engaged theouter threads 82 and 74. Sub 68 will allow the receptacle wedges to beput in place at any turn since the sub 68 can be rotated about theannular ring 60. In other words, with the design of sub 68, there is nolining up the outer threads to make up the outer nut 96 to the sub 68,the operator can simply rotate sub 68 until the outer threads form acontinuous thread pattern relative to the inner threads 100 as seen inFIG. 4.

FIG. 4 further depicts the continuous spiral thread pattern of theinvention, and more specifically, the continuous spiral thread patternformed when outer threads 82, 74 are coupled with the outer shell 96 viainner threads 100. The radial end 98 engages the radial shoulder 75. Theseal assembly 142, 144 is positioned within the recess 66 and the sealassembly 146, 148 is positioned within the recess 88. Therefore, withthe seal sleeve 90 in place and threadedly engaged with the secondtubular 78, internal pressure will be prevented from escaping into theouter areas, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart. In the event that the operator wishes to rotate either the firsttubular 56 and/or the second tubular 78, the rotation force (torque)will be transferred to the wedges. A pull force will be transferred tothe external threads 82, internal threads 100, then to the externalthreads 74, and to shoulder 67 via the top portion of half sections 70,72, in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Acompressional force will transfer against external threads 82, then tointernal threads 100, then to external threads 74 and the top portion ofhalf section 70, 72 via shoulder 67.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a disassembled cross-sectional perspective viewof a third preferred embodiment of the tubular connector will now bedescribed. In this third embodiment, a first tubular member 110 isshown, and wherein the first tubular member 110 contains a first outersurface 112 that extends to the outer thread surface 114. The outerthread surface 114 contains the standard acme thread type as previouslynoted. Extending radially inward is the inner bore surface 116, andwherein the inner bore surface 116 extends to an expanded recess 118.The first tubular member 110 has radial ending surface 120.

FIG. 5 further depicts the second tubular member 122 that contains afirst outer surface that extends to a chamfered surface 124 which inturn extends to the outer threads 126, wherein outer threads 126 are thesame as outer threads 114. Extending radially inward, the second tubularmember 122 contains an inner bore surface 128 that extends to theexpanded recess 130. The second tubular member 122 has radial endingsurface 132, and wherein the radial ending surface has an aperture 134therein for placement of a pin 136. Pin 136 may be threadedly engagedwith the aperture 134. A reciprocal aperture 137 is positioned withinthe radial ending surface 120. The purpose of the pin 136 is foralignment of the first tubular member 110 and the second tubular member122 when making-up the connections. In other words, the pin 136 willallow the first tubular 110 to be placed such that the outer threadsalign. Hence, as member 110 abuts member 122, with the pin 136 in theaperture 134, the outer threads 114, 126 form a continuous threadpattern.

A seal sleeve 138 is also shown in FIG. 5. The seal sleeve 138 has anouter surface 140 and an inner surface 159. Note that the outer surface140 has a radial mark 141 so that the operator can visually determinewhether the seal sleeve 138 is in proper position within both firsttubular member 110 and second tubular member 122. FIG. 5 further depictsa seal assembly 142, seal assembly 144, seal assembly 146 and sealassembly 148, wherein the seal assemblies 142 and 144 are disposedwithin the recess 118 and the seal assemblies 146, 148 are disposedwithin the recess 130. The seal assemblies 142, 144, 146, 148 arecommercially available from Houston Packing Inc. under the name PolyPack Packing.

The outer shell 150, sometimes referred to as the outer nut 150, isshown in FIG. 5, and wherein the outer sleeve 150 has an outer surface151, and extending radially inward is the inner thread 152 which willengage and cooperate with the outer threads 114 and 126. The innerthread 152 is of the same type of thread as outer threads 114, 126. Thepin 136 and the sleeve 138 also act to align the outer threads of thefirst tubular 110 and the second tubular 122 so that the shell 150 willthreadedly make-up with the outer threads.

Also shown is the pin 154 that is inserted into an aperture 156 in theouter shell 150 and aperture 158 in the second tubular 122. The pin 154is inserted and set in order to keep the outer shell 150 frombacking-off from the tubular member 110 and 122. The lock pin 154 willlock outer shell 150 and second tubular member 122 together and preventunscrewing. The operator can pull pin 154 to unscrew and take apart,when desired.

FIG. 6 is an assembled partial cross-sectional perspective view of thetubular connector illustrated in FIG. 5. Thus, the first tubular member110 is shown abutting the second tubular member 122. The seal assemblies142, 144 are shown within the recess 118, and the seal assemblies 146,148 are shown within the recess 130. The seal sleeve 138 is disposedwithin the inner bores of first tubular member 110 and second tubularmember 122 so that an internal pressure will be precluded from escapingto the outer portions. The pin 136 is positioned with the aperture 137.FIG. 6 further depicts the continuous spiral thread pattern of theinvention, and more specifically, the continuous spiral thread patternformed when outer threads 114 and the outer threads 126 are coupled withthe inner threads 152 of the outer shell 150.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a schematic of the tubular connector of thepresent invention being made-up on a drilling rig 160 will now bedescribed. A block means 162 is suspended in the derrick 164 and a firsttubular 165 is suspended therefrom. A second tubular 166 is shown withina rotary table 168 on the rig floor. The second tubular 166 is supportedwithin the rotary table 168 via slip means 170 well known in the art. Acasing string 172 extends below the surface into subterranean zones 174.The second tubular 166 has the outer threads as previously described.

As noted earlier, FIG. 7 also depicts the second tubular 165 that issuspended from the block 162 and connected via elevators 176. The firsttubular 165 has associated therewith the outer nut 178 (also referred toas the outer shell 178) with outer threads, as previously described.

A method of connecting the first tubular 165 with the second tubular 166is disclosed. The method includes setting the second tubular 166 in theslip means 170 within the rotary table 168 on the drill floor, andlowering the first tubular 165 via the block 162. Next, the inner sealsleeve is inserted into the inner bore of the second tubular 166, andthe first tubular 165 is rotated so that the wedges of the first tubular165 are aligned with the reciprocal wedges of the second tubular 166.The method includes lowering the first tubular 165 into engagement withthe second tubular 166 via the block 162, and rotating the outernut/shell 178 about the outer threads of the first tubular 165, androtating the shell 178 about the outer threads of the second tubular 166so that the first tubular 165 and the second tubular 166 are connected.The slips 170 can be removed and the tubular string can be lifted and/orlowered via the block 162 as well understood by those of ordinary skillin the art.

The method may further include exerting a pulling force on the firsttubular 165 and the second tubular 166 and transferring the pullingforce to the outer threads of the first tubular and the inner threads ofthe shell then to the outer threads of the second tubular. The methodmay also include exerting a rotating force on the first tubular 165 andthe second tubular 166, and transferring the rotational force to thewedges on the first tubular 165 and the reciprocal wedges on the secondtubular 166. It should be noted that the first tubular 165 and thesecond tubular 166 can be made-up while in the horizontal position bylining up and pushing the first tubular 165 and the second tubular 166together, and then turning the outer shell 178 to cover the firsttubular 165 and the second tubular 166 threads.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the protruding wedges 34 of the secondtubular 28 taken from FIG. 1. More specifically, the protruding wedges34 of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8A depict a first wedge 182having an outer width of W1, second wedge 184 having an outer width ofW2, third wedge 186 having an outer width of W3, and fourth wedge 188having an outer width of W4. Due to the arcuate nature of the protrudingwedges on the tubular members, the inner width are less in length. Theradial spaces 190, 192, 194, and 196 are also shown.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, a perspective view of the protruding wedges 16of the first tubular 4 taken from FIG. 1 will now be described. Inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention, the protrudingwedges 16 will be in reciprocal alignment; therefore, the wedges 16 andwedges 34 cooperate to engage. As seen in the preferred embodiment ofFIG. 8B, the protruding wedges 16 depict a first wedge 200 having anouter width of W5, second wedge 202 having an outer width of W6, thirdwedge 204 having an outer width of W7, and fourth wedge 206 having anouter width of W8. Due to the arcuate nature of the protruding wedges onthe tubular members, the inner width are less in length. The radialspaces 208, 210, 212, and 214 are also shown.

As shown, the wedge 182 will fit into radial space 214; the wedge 184will fit into radial space 208; the wedge 186 will fit into radial space210; and, the wedge 188 will fit into radial space 212. Also, the wedge200 will fit into radial space 190; the wedge 202 will fit into radialspace 192; the wedge 204 will fit into radial space 194; and, the wedge206 will fit into radial space 196. According to the teachings of thepresent invention, the number and size of the protruding wedges andradial spaces can be changed, and wherein the reciprocal protrudingwedges and radial spaces would also have to changed in order tocooperate and engage. For instance, rather than have four protrudingwedges per face, only one wedge per face is required. Alternatively, thewidth W1 of wedge 182 could be lengthened and wherein the width of theradial space would in turn change. Also, the actual shape of a wedge andradial space can be changed, and wherein the reciprocal wedge would bechanged accordingly. It should also be noted that the wedges can be madeto be replaceable fingers and/or pins. The fingers and/or pins can beremoved and replaced due to various factors such as wear and tear fromuse.

Referring now to FIG. 9A, an exploded, cross-sectional view of a fourthpreferred embodiment of the tubular connector 230 will now be described.This fourth embodiment includes a first tubular 232 and a second tubular234. The first tubular 232 includes a radial end 236, and wherein theradial end 236 contains a plurality of apertures 238, 240. The innerbore of the first tubular 232 contains internal thread means 242. Theouter surface of the first tubular 232 contains outer threads 244. FIG.9A shows the seal means 246 that will be disposed within the cavity 248.FIG. 9 a further depicts the plurality of pins 250 a, 250 b, 250 c, 250d, 250 e that will be placed within reciprocal apertures.

The second tubular 234 includes an outer surface containing an annularring 252, and wherein the outer surface extends to the radial end 254that includes a plurality of apertures (such as 256, 258). The pins 250a-250 e will also engage with the apertures on the radial end 254. Theseal means 260 will be placed within the cavity 262. FIG. 9A alsodepicts the inner sleeve 264 that has the external threads 266, andwherein the inner sleeve 264 will be disposed within the inner bores ofthe first tubular 232 and the second tubular 234. The external threads266 engage with the internal threads 242. FIG. 9A also depicts the sub268, and wherein sub 268 consist of a first half segment 270 and asecond half segment 272. The inner bore of sub 268 contains an annulargroove 274, and wherein the annular groove 274 will engage and cooperatewith the annular ring 252 to prevent the sub 268 from slipping duringmake-up and break-down? FIG. 9A also depicts the outer shell 276, andwherein the outer shell 276 contains inner thread means 278 that willengage with the outer thread means 244 and outer threads means 280 ofthe sub 268. Note that outer threads 280 are disposed as a continuousthread pattern on half segment 270 and half segment 272. As notedearlier, the threads can be, for instance, acme threads.

The shoulder 282 and the shoulder 284 will abut the end 286 of the outershell 276 when made-up. Hence, when made-up, the any torque will betransmitted to the pins 250 a-250 e, and any tensional force will betransmitted to the threads, as previously described. Referring to FIG.9B, a perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment of the tubularconnector seen in FIG. 9A. FIG. 9B shows in particular the radial face254 that has contained therein apertures 256, 258, 288, 290, 292, 294,296, 298 for placement of the pins 250 a-250 e.

Referring now to FIG. 10A, an exploded, cross-sectional view of a fifthpreferred embodiment of the tubular connector will now be described.This fifth embodiment has a first tubular 302 and a second tubular 304,and wherein the first tubular 302 has outer threads 306 and the radialend 308. The radial end 308 has the single wedge portion 310, which maybe referred to as the single finger portion 310. FIG. 10A furtherdepicts the seal means 312 that will be disposed within the recess 314.The second tubular 304 also has a recess 316 for placement of the sealmeans 318. The second tubular 304 also contains the outer thread means320 which extend to radial end 322, and wherein radial end 322 containsthe single wedge portion 324, which may be referred to as the singlefinger 324. The wedge portion 324 and the wedge portion 310 willcooperate and engage in order to apply torque, as previously described.

FIG. 10A further depicts the inner sleeve 326 that is disposed withinthe inner bores of the tubulars 302, 304, and the outer shell 328. Theouter shell 328 will cooperate and engage with the outer thread means306 and 320. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the fifth preferredembodiment of the tubular connector seen in FIG. 10A. Hence, FIG. 10Bdepicts the single wedge portion 310 which is essentially a fingerconfigured in a semi-circular pattern. FIG. 10B also depicts the singlewedge portion 324 which is a reciprocal finger configured in asemi-circular pattern that will cooperate and engage with the singlewedge portion 310 in order to apply torque.

Referring now to FIG. 11A, an exploded, cross-sectional view of a sixthpreferred embodiment of the tubular connector 330 will now be described.The tubular connector 330 includes the first tubular 332 and the secondtubular 334, and wherein the first tubular 332 has outer thread means336 and the radial end 338. The radial end 338 contains an internal rack340, and wherein the internal rack 340 contains . . . . a tooth-type ofprofile. FIG. 11A further depicts the seal means 342 that will becontained within the recess 344. The second tubular 334 contains anannular ring 346 as well as the radial end 348, and wherein the radialend 348 contains the internal rack 350, and wherein the internal rack350 contains . . . a tooth-type of profile that will cooperate with theinternal rack 340 as will be fully set out below.

FIG. 11A further depicts the seal means 352 that will be disposed withinthe recess 354. The sub 356 will contain first segment 358 and secondsegment 360, and wherein on the inner portion will be the annular groove362 a, 362 b. The annular ring 346 and the annular grooves 362 a, 362 bwill engage and cooperate so that the sub 356 does not slip duringmake-up and break-down. As shown, the sub 356 contains outer threadmeans 363 a, 363 b. The inner sleeve 364 having an outer surface 366 isshown, and wherein an outer rack 368 is disposed about the outer surface366. The outer rack 368 will have a reciprocal tooth-type of profilethat will cooperate with and engage internal rack 340 and internal rack350. The outer shell 370 is shown having internal thread means 372, andwherein the internal thread means 372 will engage and cooperate with theouter thread means 336 of first tubular 332 and outer thread means 360of the sub 356.

Referring now to FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the sixth preferredembodiment of the tubular connector 330 seen in FIG. 11A. Hence, theinternal rack 340 is shown as well as the reciprocal outer rack 368, andwherein the teeth of outer rack 368 will cooperate and engage with theteeth of inner rack 340 so that torque can be transferred via the racks.

FIG. 12A is an exploded, cross-sectional view of a seventh preferredembodiment of the tubular connector. More specifically, the tubularconnector 376 of FIG. 12 illustrates the first tubular 378 and thesecond tubular 380. The first tubular 378 has outer thread means 382that extend to the end 384, and wherein the external rack 386 isdisposed about the end 384. FIG. 12A further shows the seal means 388that will be placed into the recess 390. The second tubular 380 containsan outer surface 392 that includes an annular ring 394. The outersurface 392 terminates at end 396, and wherein the end 396 includes theexternal rack 398. The seal means 400 will be placed into the recess402. The inner sleeve 404 is shown along with the external threads 406that will engage with internal threads 408 of the first tubular 378.

FIG. 12A further depicts the sleeve with internal rack 410 (sometimesreferred to as gear 410), and wherein the internal rack 410 willcooperate and engage with the external rack 386 and the external 398.The sub 412 contains a first half segment 414 and a second half segment416 and wherein said half segments contain an outer thread means 418 a,418 b, as previously described. The inner portion of the sub 412contains the annular groove 420 a, 420 b for engagement with the annularring 394. FIG. 12A also illustrates the outer shell 422, and wherein theouter shell 422 contains the internal threads 424 that will cooperateand engage with the outer threads 382 and outer threads 418 a, 418 b.

Referring now to FIG. 12B, a perspective cross-sectional view of theseventh preferred embodiment seen in FIG. 12A will now be described. Theexternal racks 386 and 398 are shown, along with the internal rack 410.The outer shell 422, and in particular the inner threads 424 will engagethe external threads 382, and external threads 418 a, 418 b aspreviously described. A torque force will be transmitted via the racks386, 398 and 410.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is to be understood that the embodiments described areillustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be definedsolely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence,many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those skilledin the art from a review thereof.

1. A tubular connection comprising: a first joint having outercontinuous helical threads; a second joint having outer continuoushelical threads; a shell having inner threads that cooperate and fastenwith the outer threads of said first joint and said second joint, saidshell having a continuous helical inner thread pattern, wherein saidinner thread pattern engages the outer threads of said first joint andsaid second joint; a pin disposed on a radial face of said first joint,and wherein said pin engages an aperture contained in a radial face ofsaid second joint; wherein said first joint has a first inner bore andsaid second joint has a second inner bore, and wherein the tubularconnection further comprises an inner sleeve positioned within saidfirst inner bore and said second inner bore; wherein said inner sleevehas a cylindrical outer portion that is configured to be axiallypositioned within the first and second inner bore of said first andsecond joint, respectively.
 2. The tubular connection of claim 1 whereinsaid first inner bore contains a first groove having first seal meansdisposed therein and said second inner bore contains a second groovehaving second seal means disposed therein, wherein said first seal meansand said second seal means prevents a pressure from exiting the firstinner bore and the second inner bore to an outer portion of said firstjoint and said second joint.
 3. The tubular connection of claim 2wherein said inner sleeve contains an external thread that engages withan internal thread within the first inner bore.
 4. The tubularconnection of claim 3 further comprising a plurality of pins on theradial face and a plurality reciprocal apertures on the second radialface.
 5. The tubular connection of claim 4 wherein said first joint andsaid second joint form part of a drill string.